Gaza City ∙ Gaza is on the brink of a massive human tragedy as Israel’s airstrikes and blockades intensify in response to Hamas attacks. More than 1,000 people are trapped under the rubble of concrete destroyed by airstrikes. Rescue operations are difficult as the war continues.
Crushed: Buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Jabaliya, northern Gaza. Image: Reuters
According to the Hamas media office, 2,808 people have been killed so far in Israel’s attack on Gaza. A quarter are children. 10,000 people were injured. The World Health Organization has warned that one person every minute is arriving at hospitals in Gaza with injuries, and that if urgent help does not arrive, there will be a major disaster. The situation is further worrisome as those reluctant to leave Gaza seek refuge in hospitals. Only fuel for 24 hours is left to run generators etc.
A girl injured in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, is in hospital.
Rescue workers said that even the bags for keeping the dead bodies had run out. Major hospitals have started mass cremation.
US President Joe Biden said that although Hamas must be eliminated, Palestine must remain. He said Israel should not try to occupy Gaza.
Israel has stated that it is not ready for reconciliation talks to release the 199 hostages held by Hamas. The hostages must be released safely without any conditions. It is reported that Qatar is trying to mediate in the hostage release talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Caged: A Palestinian boy fleeing Rafah, southern Gaza, with a pet bird. They fled after Israel attacked here the other day. Image: AFP
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani claimed that Hamas had said it would release the hostages if the airstrikes stopped. Hamas has not directly announced this. The UN called on Hamas to release the hostages and on Israel to ensure humanitarian aid to Gaza.
With Iran warning that it will intervene if Israel starts a ground war, there is concern that the conflict will spread further. Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned Iran and Hezbollah that if they attack Israel, they will face heavy retribution.
Israeli soldiers. A view from Kfar Asa, Israel’s border south of the Gaza Strip. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Warning Siren: Israel Parliament Suspended
JERUSALEM – Israel’s parliament session in Jerusalem was temporarily suspended after the rocket attack siren sounded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and MPs were evacuated to safe locations.
All eyes on Rafa
Gaza ∙ Medicines and essential goods delivered by the UN and various countries are stuck at the Rafah border that connects Gaza with Egypt. According to the World Health Organization, 3 lakh patients are waiting for help. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that the Rafah border would be opened, but no further action was taken. Egypt’s position is that the border will be opened if Israel stops the airstrikes. Israel says 600,000 Palestinians have left northern Gaza. Egypt is worried that if the border is opened, they will cross southern Gaza.
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2023-10-16 21:28:47
